Must have high tech and low tech methods to match parent needs
Focus on language development in early years and literacy in school years
Piecemeal strategies not workshop based- consistent delivery of meaningful activities spread out over the school year
Focus on building relationships
Barriers are the reality for families- bring solutions to their reality
Tools are needed for older children helping with younger children in the family
Build leadership capacity in parents and school staff.
Three Key Parts:
1. School and System Changes
Centralized Back to School Event-
One stop place open for a long day to meet the needs of families.
How to- electronic communication
Select donated school supplies/clothes
Hot lunch program
Latch-key child care programs
Community resources
School Classroom Back to School Event
Classroom time to focus on student achievement
Curriculum- what will be taught and what should your children learn
Expectations
Trust building
Methods for communication- parents sharing their needs
Resources that will come home to support instruction
2. Specific teacher strategies and tool kit
Greetings that demonstrated parent/teacher/student educational team commitment
Understand that involved parents does not mean volunteers in the classroom or school wide activities.
Importance of building relationships with parents
Place parent on equal level- physical location, ie: chair/desk and verbiage- do not use education jargon
If having the family come in for a meeting with more than one person educate them on what to expect prior to the meeting.
Special Ed- This usually is intimidating to all parents. Take time to prep parents ahead but to also pace meeting to allow them time to think and ask questions. Stop and check for understanding along the way. Explain all special ed jargon do not assume the parents know.
Three Key Parts:
1. School and System Changes
2. Specific teacher strategies and tool kit
3. Specific family strategies and tool kit